New Orleans wide receiver Robert Meachem (17) was one of 11 different targets to catch a pass from Drew Brees in Sunday's win over the 49ers.

1. SPREADING IT AROUND

Drew Brees makes things tough on opposing defenses by relying on myriad receivers. Thirteen players have at least one catch for the Saints, and Brees hooked up with 11 receivers in last week's victory over San Francisco. If the Falcons can't get some pressure on Brees, he'll likely pick apart a secondary that features two rookie cornerbacks.

2. NEW-LOOK FALCONS

With an eye on next season, the Falcons have started shaking things up. Last week, Peter Konz moved to guard and Joe Hawley took over at center on the embattled offensive line, which will have its hands full against the aggressive Saints. Coach Mike Smith plans to continue giving the backups more snaps, with running back Antone Smith the most likely candidate for an increased role. He rushed for 88 yards on just two carries against the Bucs, including a 50-yard TD.

3. ROAD HAZARDS

While the Saints have the second-best record in the NFC, they haven't exactly looked like world beaters outside of the Superdome. New Orleans is 6-0 at home, but four of the final six games are on the road. "It's not like we dread going on the road. Not one bit," Brees insisted. Indeed, since Payton and Brees arrived in New Orleans in 2006, the Saints are 35-25 away from the Big Easy.

4. DOUGLAS EMERGES

There hasn't been much to cheer about in Atlanta, but receiver Harry Douglas has been a bright spot. With Julio Jones out for the season and Roddy White struggling to bounce back from injuries, Douglas has gotten a chance to shine with three 100-yard receiving games the past five weeks. "You'd rather be winning these games," said Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. "But one of the silver linings is the play of Harry."

5. WHITE'S MOMENT

The Saints lost starting cornerback Jabari Greer to a season-ending knee injury against the 49ers, costing the defense a 10-year veteran who was a leader both on the field and in the locker room. Into the void steps Corey White, a second-year player from Samford. He had an interception after replacing Greer, but fumbled it back to San Francisco trying to dive for the end zone.

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Saints Five Things to Watch

Drew Brees makes things tough on opposing defenses by relying on myriad receivers. Thirteen players have at least one catch for the Saints, and Brees hooked up with 11 receivers in last week's